Paris’ Moulin Rouge cabaret club in France faced a significant setback as the sails of its historic windmill, a symbol synonymous with the City of Lights, were lost overnight on Wednesday. The red windmill, perched atop the iconic tourist venue known for its can-can dancers, saw its blades fall sometime before 2 a.m., according to the Moulin Rouge’s general manager.
In its 135 years of existence, the Moulin Rouge has weathered numerous adventures, but this marks the first instance of such an incident befalling its wings, as noted by Jean-Victor Clerico. Fortunately, the incident occurred when the boulevard below was devoid of pedestrians, averting any injuries.
The Moulin Rouge typically hosts two 90-minute shows each night at 9 and 11 p.m. The loss of the windmill's sails has left locals and tourists alike disheartened, with one resident expressing sadness at the altered appearance of the iconic landmark.
Established in 1889, the Moulin Rouge has a rich history, with its can-can dancers immortalized in paintings by renowned artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The cabaret club also gained cinematic fame through the 2001 musical bearing its name, starring Nicole Kidman.
Clerico mentioned that an investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the sails' fall, emphasizing that foul play is not suspected. Visitors, like Danish tourist Lise Thygesen, expressed hope for the restoration of the sails to preserve the essence of the 'old Moulin Rouge,' while others, such as German tourist Florence Chevalier, highlighted the windmill's symbolic significance to Paris.
The incident draws parallels to the 2019 fire that ravaged Notre-Dame cathedral, underscoring the challenges faced by historic landmarks in preserving their heritage. As restoration efforts continue at Notre-Dame, the Moulin Rouge now faces its own journey towards recovery and restoration.
